(Lucy of Lammermoor)

by Gaetano Donizetti

Sponsored in part by:

Dr. and Mrs. Lyle F. Zepick                                       and The Garvey Kansas Foundation

January 21, 2006

7:30 PM, Century II Concert Hall

Synopsis

Cast and Bios

About the Composer

The curtain goes up on Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti on January 21, 2006 at 7:30 PM. Donizetti’s poignant tale of love and life lost is one of the greatest and most difficult operas in the “bel canto” tradition. Lyrical, emotional, and hauntingly beautiful, the voices are truly the focal point of this grand opera, brought to exquisite life by WGO’s production of distinguished stars and Resident Artists. Russian Coloratura Soprano Larisa Yudina makes her Wichita Grand Opera debut singing the title role of Lucia. She is leading soprano of the Kirov Opera (renamed recently to Mariinsky Opera), and has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, and Covent Garden, among many others. Returning from last season’s triumphant debut as Rodolfo in WGO’s production of La Boheme is Russian tenor Evgeny Akimov who will sing the pivotal role of Edgardo. Mr. Akimov is at home in St. Petersburg and leading tenor at Kirov Opera. He has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, and Los Angeles Philharmonic and has recorded on several labels. American Maestro Steven White, highly regarded for his work in opera, will conduct WGO’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor. He has conducted extensively at New York City Opera, Arizona Opera, New Orleans Opera, and Vancouver Opera, to name a few. Italian director Guido Torlonia will stage this production. A native of Rome’s aristocracy, his productions have been the highlight of the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.